Can you please give us an idea of the sort of work your team has done recently (cases, transactions, projects)?

Our legal function handles general corporate compliance and governance of the group companies, abiding by the internal corporate governance principles as well as the corporate governance principles defined by the Capital Markets Board. We are responsible for dealing with the companies’ daily activities but also involved in internal project finance, M&A projects, asset sales, share sales, spin-off, and merger transactions of our company as well as other group companies. Whilst we outsource litigation to external law firms, our team also oversee the progress of each litigation cases. In 2021, our team was involved in the following significant cases: (i) completion of the acquisition of 51 percent of the shares of a company, (ii) completion of the sale of the 100 percent of the shares of a group company; (iii) compliance of the relevant group companies with the recent amendments in the TCC Art. 486. In addition, as the Ethical Committee of the group, we have reviewed and updated the Ethical Codes and Policies including Akkök Group Sustainability Policy, and Corporate Social Responsibility and Civic Involvement Policies.

How do you suggest in-house lawyers build strong relationships with business partners?

Having knowledge and understanding on complicated legal issues and ability to prove-solve is key for in-house legal team to build strong relationships with business function. It takes time to build trust between business and legal departments; they need to undertake at least few projects together to understand each other. In-house lawyers must be keen to participate in the company’s different projects while liaising with other functions including business units. Having the ability to comply with changes and indicating legal risks is necessary but supporting business with positive and innovative approach is also highly encouraged to be the business partners of the company.

How has the increasing consciousness of climate change and sustainability affected the company and the team’s priorities?

As a group with multiple manufacturing and industrial companies, it is now impossible to remain reluctant to respond to climate change. Having prepared Global Compact Progress Reports since 2007, we have initiated the formation of Akkok Group Sustainability Policy021. The group has calculated its carbon footprint since 2010, while acting as a pioneer in the industry. Displaying its high level of environmental sensitivity, Aksa was certified by the BSI as the first company in Türkiye which satisfied high-level safety. Akkim initiated a waste recycling project in Yalova in 2008 by introducing training seminars in the community on the importance of separating and recycling waste materials.